Data released Monday painted a mixed picture of the U.S. economy as retail sales rose less than expected, while growth in New York state's manufacturing sector accelerated in July. Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C) reported a stronger-than-expected rise in second-quarter earnings on the heels of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) and Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE: WFC) beating Wall Street expectations in the previous session.

Photo: IBT

U.S. stocks opened flat Monday as data painted a mixed picture of the U.S. economy and retail sales rose less than expected, while growth in New York State’s manufacturing sector accelerated in July. Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C) reported second-quarter earnings that beat expectations on the heels of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) and Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE: WFC), topping Wall Street forecasts in the previous session.

The Commerce Department said on Monday retail sales increased 0.4 percent in June, but sales of building materials fell by the most in a year. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales to rise 0.8 percent in June.

Separate data showed that factory growth in New York State’s manufacturing sector accelerated in July as new orders and employment improved. The New York Fed's "Empire State" general business conditions index rose to 9.46 from 7.84 in June, beating expectations for 5.00. A reading above zero indicates expansion.

On the earnings front, Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C) reported a stronger-than-expected rise in second-quarter earnings as adjusted net income rose to $3.89 billion, or $1.25 per share, in the second quarter, from $3.08 billion, or $1.00 per share, a year earlier.

As of 10:38 a.m. Eastern, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 8.10 points, or 0.05 percent, at 15,472.40. The S&P 500 Index edged down 0 points, or 0 percent, at 1,680.19, and the Nasdaq Composite Index was off 0.90 points, or 0.02 percent, at 3,599.18.